Sien van der Plank is a Postgraduate research student in the Energy and Climate Change theme, within Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton. Her research examines the management of coastal flooding in England through spatial planning, engineering and insurance. She is analysing the interactions between these management approaches and stakeholders, and the implications thereof.

“Severe natural hazard events will continue to occur, but we as individuals, institutions and a society can intervene to avoid severe disasters.”

Previously, Sien has conducted research into a wide range of political and social- environmental challenges. These include the community expectations and perceptions of a planned mine in Australia, the potential for wind turbine expansion in South Africa, and the vision and internal discourses of political parties for animals.

Furthermore, Sien is always active in volunteering and activism. Currently she is involved in social volunteering and environmental activism in Southampton.